A karate champion is suspected of using performance enhancing drugs in the US national team.
A karate national champion, Cesar Colunga, who is currently a member of the U.S national karate team has received a positive test result for metabolites of Ritalin during routine tests as part of routine anti doping control. This subsequently saw him being suspended from participating in the sport for a period of 4 months for violating anti-doping rules laid out by the United States anti-doping agency. Cesar produced a positive test result for ritalinic acid which was discovered after a urine sample was collected in competition. The sample was collected on January 13th while the USA Karate Senior Team trials were taking place. Methylphenidate produces metabolites known as ritalinic acid, with Ritalin being one of the most recognized and commonly used brand names for the drug. It is also readily available under different brand names, including Metadate, Daytrana, Inspiral and Concerta.
When it comes to substances that fall under the stimulant category call my which is put in place by the world karate federation, Methylphenidate and all of the different forms and metabolites associated with it are strictly prohibited during competition. These anti-doping rules are put in place to prevent any competitor from having an unfair advantage over another. The world anti-doping code is used as the main foundation for the policies set out by the world karate federation, where is the United States anti doping authority acting as an administrator for the world karate federation independently. The United States Anti Doping Authority had little interest in the fact that Cesar Colunga had been prescribed Ritalin for the therapeutic treatment of ADHD, also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by his doctor. He had the opportunity to apply for an exemption for therapeutic use, also known as a TUE, which is mandatory according to the world anti doping code.
The United States Anti Doping Authority permits prohibited amphetamines, performance enhancing drugs and anabolic steroids to be used by competitors providing that they have applied for and gained approval for a therapeutic use exemption. Any athlete who uses these types of medications or controlled substances for the treatment of any condition regardless as to whether it has been physician prescribed or not and fails to be approved for a therapeutic use exemption faces strict punishment. Much in the way that Adderall is prescribed as one of the main medications for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Ritalin tops the chart for the most abused performance-enhancing drug and is commonly used by students who are looking to improve and enhance their cognitive functions.
It is also one of the most used and abused medications by athletes who are looking to use it as a performance-enhancing drug. It is known to enhance the overall endurance capacity of the individual, prevent and delay the onset of fatigue, and promote concentration and alertness. The United States anti-doping Authority was prepared to reduce Cesar Colunga’s punishment due to the fact that this was his first anti-doping rule violation. The initial suspension was set at 2 years and subsequently reduced to 4 months due to the fact that the 20 year old athlete had been prescribed the medication in dosages suitable for therapeutic use by his physician. He had applied for a therapeutic use exemption after failing the in-competition drug test. The United States anti-doping has since approved the exemption meaning he can continue to use Ritalin once his suspension finishes, which is expected to be on the 7th of July, 2018. His future use of the medication will no longer cause any issues and the athlete can once again focus on competing and training as normal without any worry.
Source: https://www.usada.org/cesar-colunga-accepts-doping-sanction/